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Karkkidaka Vavu Pithrubali
- 1-Aug-2008
Photos can be seen here
Purana's prescribe that pithrubali (offerings for ancestors) is
the most noble deed one should do in this life. It is beleived
that human body maintains the characteristics of 40 previous
generations and hence it is expected that one pays homage to as many as
well as the Gurus and maha Rushi's who are guiding us. In reality we
assume that all beyond three generations have joined lord and hence
generally limit offerings to three previous generation and then the
guiding forces.
According to Astrology, Sun is the "Pitru Karaka". Karkkidaka is the
month when Sun is in its own constitution. Both Sun and Moon stays on
the same house of
the astrological chart on a new moon day indicating the presence of
both paternal and
maternal lineage. There are references to lord Rama doing Pitrubali on
this day during his journey through the forest in Ramayana. This year,
this auspcious day falls on Friday 1st
Aug 2008.
Pitru pooja is an intergral component of Indian temple concept. This
annual event is being organized as a part of the proposed Hanuman
Temple www.srdmc.org, probably the
first temple in the world envisioned as a tribute to a Saint.
We will follow the instructions by Dr. N. Gopalakrishnan, Hon. Director
of Indian Institute of Scientific
Heritage. Dr. Gopalakrishnan once gave a very inspiring
speech while conducting a teachers training session at Aattukal temple,
Thiruvananthapuram exlaining the importance of Pitru Pooja. To say the
least, this is one occassion in the year where we pay homage to our
ancestors, also practical way to demonstrate our rituals and its
importance to the next generation . Those who would like to obtain a
free copy of this
audio CD
in Malayalam, may email your address to info@srdmc.org. Your
nominal contributions for covering processing costs will however be
appreciated. See details on the donations page.
(http://www.srdmc.org/Donations.html)
Event details
6.45 AM - Invocation Prayers
6.55 AM - Vishnu Sahasranama
7.15 AM - Pitru Bali
7.45 AM - Sri Rama Bhujanga Prayata Stotram
8.00 AM - Prasadam
Location: Spring Brook Prairie
forest preserve at Naperville, IL (http://www.dupageforest.com/PRESERVES/springbrook.html).
355 to 75 West, south on Plainfield - Naperville road, one mile to the
right
Participants: Very often
people ask why should I do Pitru pooja, my parents are still alive!.
Pitru pooja is an offering of worship to all previous ancestors, All
the main Rushi's who defined our dharmic way of living as well as the
natural forces. Any one and every one who believes in paying homage to
Pitru, Guru (Rushi) and Deva(ta)s can attend this pooja, including
women and children.
Registration / Information: For
additional Information or to
register your participation, please email at info@srdmc.org.
Fees / Other Charges:
There is no fee or any other charge for this event.
Preperations:
1) Need to maintain Pancha Shudhi during Karma. To obtain this we
recommend practising it at least three days before.
Pancha Sudhi stands for maintaining cleanliness
of [1] Body, [2] Mind, [3] Food (ahaara), [4] Conversations
(vaak ) and [5] Actions (karma)
2) Names of maternal and paternal non living ancestors for the past
three generations. If you can not get the same, Lord's name can be used
for the poojas
3) Shraddha - Closest english equivalent term is attention. You are
expected to do the karma with at most attention and the strong
conviction that you mean what you are doing.
Participants are expected to take bath three times during the function.
Though this will be a symbolic activity, you might like to bring along
a towel and spare clothes.
Offerings will be made by sitting on the ground (no chairs). Hence
recommend wearing loose clothes or otherwise flexible attire.
Watch this page for more updates on the exact location and other
logistics. Location will most likely be in suburbs of IL.
Here is the astrological chart for 1-Aug-2008 at 7.00 AM in both North
Indian and South Indian formats.
